4 * PRIZE-GIVING The Prize-Giving ceremony on Dec. 10 was held on the hottest and most humid day of the summer, and the lightly-clad ladies with their fans were a source of envy to the more severely-dressed men, especially the staff, clad in academic robes. Long before the end, many of the latter might well have had a plunge into the swimming bath, clothes and all. Nevertheless, it was a very pleasant occasion. The hall was packed with parents so that most of the school (possibly to their relief) had to remain in the grounds, where they heard nothing of the speeches. The Chairman of the Board, Mr. P. Hind, was in good form as he welcomed Mr. Justice Broome and Mrs. Broome. At the close of the Headmaster's Report, he made a strong plea to industry and commerce to subsidise schools like Kearsney. It isfrom these schools, he said, that industry and commerce must draw their men in the future, and it is essential that they should have the finest possible education, with the finest possible equipment. Kearsney still had many essential building projects for which a greatdeal of^capital was still required. After the presentation of prizes by Mrs. Broome, the Head Prefect, D. V. Thompson, presented her with a bouquet of flowers culled from the school grounds. He then went on to address the school in sincere words, saying how much his years at Kearnsey had meant to him, and urging those returning to strive always to maintain the reputation and prestige of a fine school. The Judge President, Mr. Broome,opened his address by stating that a school relied on the trinity ofa sound headmaster,a competent and loyal staff, and a body of interested parents. He said that one ofthe chieffunctions of a private school was to conduct experiments in education not always possible in a Government school. He suggested that the staff at Kearsney College try an experi ment to reach the "problem boy" who would not respond to ordinary teaching, by teaching these boys with their hands. "This type of boy could learn the practice of a subject first and then later on the theory. "1 believe the dull boy isnot Inferior to those who sail through school work. I believe we have not devised the correct method of teaching them," he said. He told the boys "not to play for safety in life for it is an adventure and It must be lived that way". 269
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